Universities in New Zealand

Established in 1870, the university education system in New Zealand follows the British university system. There are eight state-funded internationally recognized research oriented universities in New Zealand. In fact, three universities in New Zealand have been included by Times among the 100 best universities in the world.
These universities in New Zealand offer a plethora of courses that include graduate and post graduate courses. There are several colleges in New Zealand as well, providing courses in arts, humanities and social sciences along with business and sciences.
 
Undergraduate Studies in New Zealand
 
A Bachelor’s degree is offered at most New Zealand universities through a fixed number of units, papers or courses. Most subjects have first-year (stage-1), second-year (stage-2) and third-year (stage-3) courses. Subsequent years can be started, only if the previous year has been cleared; a second year course may be pursued only upon passing stage-1 and a third-year course only upon passing stage-2. However, an additional fourth year is needed for some specialized and professional fields like engineering or law. In addition, combined double-degrees are also available; they are usually 4-6 years in duration.
 
At the undergraduate level, students are required to attend lectures, tutorials and/or laboratory periods. Field trips, personal reading and research also form an inherent part of the teaching methodology at the bachelor’s level in New Zealand.
 
Graduate Diploma

Graduate diplomas can be pursued on successful completion of bachelor’s studies. For a graduate diploma, a student needs to pursue a one-year, full-time course in his chosen subject of study, wherein he/she does not necessarily have prior learning or experience.
 
Master’s Degree in New Zealand

On successful attainment of a bachelor’s degree, students may apply for a master’s course in New Zealand. In case of an international application for a Master’s course, along with a bachelor’s degree, the applicant must have an English level score of International English Language Testing (IELTS) 6.5 band or more.
 
The master’s course in New Zealand generally spans two years, with the first year consisting of coursework along with applied projects. The second year involves a major research project or thesis in the student’s chosen area of interest. For a master’s degree, students need to build on the knowledge acquired during their bachelor’s course, and display aptitude towards the chosen subject through a number of presentation and seminars along with a readiness to undertake research.
 
Doctorate Studies in New Zealand

It takes three years of full time study to complete a fully research based Doctorate course in New Zealand. New Zealand Doctoral Research scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for doctoral study aspirants. Scholarships can also be given to students by universities based on their academic merit and research ability. Most scholarship may cover a student’s tuition fee, a monthly living expenses, travel, insurance, books and even thesis costs.
 
International Study Destination
 
With the number of international students increasing each year, New Zealand is also developing as one of the top international destinations for bachelor’s and master’s studies among students across the globe. At present New Zealand is home to a large number of students from across 120 countries. This fact speaks volumes about the efficacy of New Zealand’s higher education system.